On April 27, 2023, the Gambling Act Review white paper was published in the UK, and everyone hoped it would be greatly helpful when it comes to gambling regulation. However, here’s what happened after one year.

Changes in the law

The GB Gambling Commission discussed online and land-based casinos, as well as horse racing. The consultations about the Commission’s proposals began in July, and its main focus was promoting sustainable and safe gambling, as well as conducting affordability checks.

The discussion about the relationship between operators and players was one of the main topics. According to Victoria Reed, a Founder of Better Change, the standards are already high, and in order to develop more strict regulations, the balance is needed. She said: “This is already a heavily regulated industry so I would argue that standards are generally pretty high when compared with other industries. But the nature of our business is heavily influenced by technology and customer trends – therefore, there is never time to rest on our laurels and think we have got it all figured out.”

Matt Zarb-Cousin, Gamban’s co-founder and director of external affairs, is positive that operators will benefit from improving the relationship, and in order to do that, they would have to comply with a change of standards.

The sustainability and safety of gambling must be priorities, even from a preventive standpoint. Reed commented on that: “We see “safer gambling” very much as the practice of gambling safely. Therefore, the act of restricting, limiting, banning, blocking, and even stigmatizing gambling has no place in safer gambling. As a result of this, we see very little in the white paper that for us constitutes safer gambling – instead, we feel the measures such as stake limiting and financial risk checks are more aligned to player protection.”

Preventing problem gambling and major concerns

Better Change keeps supporting Positive Play and tries to prevent problem gambling before the issue occurs. Proposals from the white paper comply with that, but in order to work, they have to be carefully implemented.

The losses have to be limited since the players who lose more are at higher risk of becoming addicts, so setting the limits is one of the best ways to prevent it.

Even the operators would benefit from that, since if the customer loses all their money, they would have to be self-excluded and they would never get back. The Commission is ready to set up the affordability checks, but it will have to be done case-by-case in order to work. On top of that, a statutory levy on gross gambling yield will be imposed, and it will be 1%.

Zarb-Cousin commented on that: “Affordability checks, if they’re done properly, and the levy will make a big difference. The quantity and the resources that will be able to go into treatment and prevention campaigns – all of this will make a big difference.”

The main issue about the proposals from the white paper is funding. There are some funds donated for research, education, and treatment of problem gambling, but it seems the only way to get funds is a mandatory levy.

However, Zarb-Cousin hopes that the suggested changes can be implemented by October 2024, including the pilot program for affordability checks, which should be finished by then. Next year, the new levy system is supposed to be implemented, two years after the release of the white paper.

However, Melanie Ellis, a gambling regulatory lawyer and partner at Northridge Law LLP, is concerned that the new regulations could drive the players to illegal operators. She said: “There is a risk that some proposals, such as the stake limit for online slots and restrictions on bonuses and incentives, could lead to a significant increase in the number of customers turning to unlicensed operators, where they may not be offered tools to control their gambling or interventions if they display indicators of harm.”

However, it’s clear that the white paper increased the awareness of problems in the industry and was a significant step towards solving the majority of them. However, a lot of work is ahead of the UK regulators, and only years of hard work can result in complete change. Sustainability remains the main focus.

Source: “Gambling Act review white paper: One year on”, iGamingBusiness. April 24, 2024.

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Three days ago, the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party held a conference to discuss policies. During the event, Gordon Moody and Green Pen Consulting organized a panel dedicated to the white paper called “The Gambling White Paper: Implications for Treatment.”

The panel saw experts comment on the measures outlined in the paper with Jane Rigbye, Ygam’s chief executive officer, expressing her thoughts on the new levy system. According to Rigbye, the new system should see the money used for gambling education and harm prevention initiatives.

Rigbye slammed the notion that some of the recipients of the levy funding are working in cahoots with gambling operators and are not independent. The CEO called this a “misguided narrative” and said that such opinions should not affect the creation of new infrastructure and processes within the industry.

Rigbye argued that organizations seeking funding should instead be measured on the quality, scalability and impact of their services.

The Money Should Prioritize Prevention over Treatment

Speaking of how the money should be used, Rigbye pointed out that it is important that the new levy is able to recognize the difference between research, education and treatment programs. Otherwise, donors may be reluctant to provide funding before the eventual establishment of the new system.

Rigbye also pointed out that this period may see the services provided by organizations reliant on the current system disrupted or discontinued.

CEO Rigbye’s call for more clarity is currently being answered by the UKGC and DCMS, which continue to discuss the future of the white paper measures.

Rigbye also noted that prevention should be prioritized over treatment.

Ygam argues that investment would be better off made upstream, so that less people need those treatment services in the first place.

Jane Rigbye, CEO, Ygam

Ygam is one of the largest gambling research, education and treatment organizations in the United Kingdom and would be one of the key beneficiaries of industry funding if the proposed levy is introduced.

In addition to Ygam representatives, The Gambling White Paper: Implications for Treatment was also attended by many other notable individuals, including politicians and company leaders.

While the Conservative Party did its best to consider the future of the country, statistics show that British bettors do not trust the party to stay in power. According to Betfair bettors, who have previously predicted outcomes such as Liz Truss’ resignation, Rishi Sunak may lose as many as 201 seats or more during the upcoming elections.

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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of gambling regulations in the country by inviting public reactions to the recently released white paper. In a new call for evidence, the committee seeks to gather insights, opinions, and feedback from various interested parties, including industry representatives, experts, and advocacy groups.

The Committee Posted Three Vital Questions

Recognizing the importance of public participation in shaping gambling regulations, the DCMS select committee has launched a call for evidence, inviting stakeholders to share their views on the gambling white paper. The document proposes significant reforms to modernize the UK’s gambling laws, address emerging challenges, and enhance player protection. Soliciting public input allows the committee to consult multiple perspectives during the final decision-making.

The DCMS call for evidence contained three questions, hoping to receive focused feedback. Its first query asked participants to outline the proposal they most agreed with. The second question has stakeholders share any perceived gaps in the outlined reforms. Finally, the commission asks whether the interested parties believe the government will successfully implement the paper by the summer 2024 deadline.

The resulting data will be instrumental in forming the committee’s recommendations, leveraging shareholders’ significant industry knowledge and expertise. Their collective input will contribute to a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the upcoming legislation, hopefully allowing lawmakers to shore up any potential deficiencies.

The Time for Consultations Is Running Out

Despite the DCMS’ good intentions, its decision to extend the consultation period has drawn significant criticism. In mid-2023, the UK will hold its General Election, meaning that a potential new government may have different views on the country’s gambling laws, significantly delaying the much-needed reforms. Many politicians have urged a swift implementation, as later refinements remain possible.

How long will it take to have more consultations? We are ready to go with this.

Conservative peer Lord Grade of Yarmouth

The need for further consultations seems understandable, given the substantial criticism from various organizations. However, many stakeholders continue to urge for faster progress, noting that each day without proper regulation leaves people without adequate protection from problem gambling. The government must walk a tight line, deciding on priority updates with a narrowing timeframe.

The committee’s willingness to consider a wide range of perspectives ensures that future gambling regulations will reflect the needs and concerns of all interested parties. However, impending elections impose a limited timeframe, likely necessitating compromises. Hopefully, the country’s new government will maintain the focus on gambling reforms, curbing the growing cost of gambling harm.

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After much delay and anticipation, the White Paper of the Gambling Act review in the UK was published late last month. The White Paper proposes significant changes to the gambling market in the country, ensuring that its laws are fit for the digital age. Essentially, it calls to build upon the Gambling Act 2005 but seeks to ensure the protection of users and implement strategic guidelines and restrictions for online gambling operators.

Now, in light of the upcoming changes to the market in the UK, researchers suggest that other markets may be impacted as well. Professor Sally Gainsbury of the University of Sydney and director of the Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic explained that the whole world sees that the market in the UK will change.

Similar to the UK, Australia is also seeking to improve its regulations related to gambling. According to the professor, the changes in the UK can have an impact on the future of the gambling market in Australia. Gainsbury did not explain to what extent the changes can impact the Australian market, but further discussion on the topic is expected later this week. It is likely that Australia can implement similar changes to the ones proposed in the UK, yet, it all remains in the hands of lawmakers.

“There are a lot of people around the world watching what happens in the UK. Australian gambling regulation is currently being reviewed and the changes in the UK are likely to impact future Australian gambling reforms.“

Professor Sally Gainsbury

Discussions on the Topic Continue

Recently, Professor Gainsbury along with Assistant Professor Kahlil Philander from Washington State University discussed the topic in a webinar with Tim Miller, UK Gambling Commission’s executive director for research and policy, as well as its director, Ben Haden. At the time, Haden noted: “We are going through a testing phase to move to a new methodology for what we’ll call the Gambling Survey for Great Britain.” According to him, this data will help the country better understand consumer behavior and gambling harm.

Miller added that the White Paper suggests many changes to the regulated gambling market in the country. He explained that while the specific changes seek to match the market in the UK and consider the views of consumers and stakeholders, they may be applied to other jurisdictions as well.

Discussions on the topic are set to continue this Thursday. Gainsbury, Philander, as well as Miller and Haden, are set to speak once again on the topic this week. They will discuss different aspects of the proposed changes within the White Paper and how evidence can help in the process that seeks to overhaul the gambling market.

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After years of waiting, the Gambling Act Review white paper was finally released. After careful evaluation, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) published its plans for the implementation of the changes outlined in the paper.

The document covers more than 60 areas of work for the UKGC alone and will likely take years to complete. However, the commission believes that it will be able to make quick progress in a number of key areas and has already prepared teams to do that.

According to the regulator, some white paper objectives must be delivered through the License Conditions and Codes of Practice – a list of practices that defines what licensed operators have to do. However, the UKGC will first have to consult these changes with its licensees.

Tim Miller, the commission’s executive director for research and policy, said that the regulator hopes to publish the first set of white paper-related LCCP consultations this summer. He said that pre-consultation talks with stakeholders have started in a number of policy areas.

Importantly, these consultations will be sharply focused on how changes are implemented. Whilst not all, many questions of public policy have been settled by the White Paper itself. Where they have, our consultations will not be an opportunity to reopen those debates.

Tim Miller, exec director for research and policy, UKGC

Miller noted that the UKGC wants to introduce carefully-planned and consulted policy changes instead of rushing them and causing unintended consequences for the British public.

Change Will Take Time

The UKGC will remain focused on delivering the reforms proposed by the white paper. Miller pointed out that the document has trusted the UKGC to deal with illegal gambling and facilitate cross-government collaboration with the regulator. While the commission’s regulatory powers will increase, so will its responsibilities.

Miller said that the scope of the white paper is large and that it will remain the dominant policy initiative of the UKGC for the next few years. The regulator will go through various stages of development, implementation, evaluation and review to make sure that gambling regulations are up to date with the modern age.

The UKGC will hear its stakeholders’ input during each of the stages but noted that it is important to do this in a manageable way.

The scale of change, even with increased resources in future, means there will be very little space for the Commission to consider other policy developments not included in the white paper.

Tim Miller, exec director for research and policy, UKGC

Miller noted that the white paper will not signify immediate change. On the contrary, changes will only come into effect after consultations and legislation changes. He said that his team will do its best to implement the recommendations in the white paper in a timely manner but that will not distract the UKGC team from pursuing compliance with its existing requirements.

Miller concluded that the UKGC will continue to vigilantly ensure that its standards are met and will take action to protect customers when needed.

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The latest company to comment on this seminal moment in the UK gambling industry is Rank Group. The company has welcomed the proposals and the forthcoming process of consultation that will collect further input and feedback and arrive at solutions that best reflect the needs of consumers.

Rank Group Weighs In on Digital and Land-Based Changes

Rank Group called itself in support of “striking the right balance” between consumer freedoms and protecting individuals from gambling-related harm. The Group also said that it welcomed the commitment demonstrated in the White Paper and acknowledged that there have been significant changes to the gambling landscape over the past years.

Rank Group, which has 50 casinos, hailed the proposed changes for the land-based sector, which should give the company a more competitive outlook in the age of digital gambling. The Group confirmed that it would continue to keep in touch with the government and the UK Gambling Commission regarding the proposed changes and how they can contribute to the final framework outlined by the White Paper.

Rank Group also welcomed the idea of a statutory levy and said that the government has chosen the right approach in considering the “differing association of different sectors with harm and/or their differing fixed costs.”

Rank Group expects any changes to the gambling industry and its regulatory framework in the United Group to have a positive impact on the Group. Company chief executive John O’Reilly similarly noted:

The public policy changes set out by Government are a constructive set of measures for the future of our industry and provide a firmer foundation for us to invest in our business.

Company chief executive John O’Reilly

Digital Pinch to Be Felt, Net Benefit for Group Anyway

O’Reilly explained that Rank Group would feel the pinch of digital regulation tightening but remained cautiously optimistic about the prospects that the changes revealed ahead of the land-based industry. In net terms, though, the Group stands to benefit, he noted.

“With public policy now set, attention shifts to the timeline for implementing these policy changes. Swift implementation of these much-needed reforms is vital for the land-based sector as we look to meet the needs of today’s consumers whilst continuing to uphold our commitment to safer gambling,” the executive concluded on an upbeat note.

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After the long-awaited Gambling Act white paper finally saw the light of day, many doctors, campaigners, and politicians quickly shared their disappointment in the proposed measures, calling for additional restrictions. Although the government has given itself a one-year grace period to iron out the final details, significant changes are unlikely.

The Paper Does a Lot of Things Right

After years of delays, the United Kingdom’s Gambling Act white paper is finally out. The document is a definite improvement over the current regulations, offering substantial improvements in troubled areas. Such changes could not come too soon, as rising problem gambling rates magnify the country’s cost of living crisis, threatening its most vulnerable groups.

Overall, all of the White Paper’s proposed updates seem sound. Operators will have to set aside a portion of their profits to fund gambling harm treatment and prevention, additional resources for the Gambling Commission, and introducing a gambling ombudsman seem like fair ideas. Online gambling, in particular, has received significant attention as iGaming operators face significantly improved player protection guidelines.

Critics Urge for Harsher Measures and Faster Progress

Despite the positive changes, many feel the document does not do enough. One of the primary criticisms of anti-gambling advocates is the lack of substantial advertising reforms. While the government denied any proven connection between advertising and gambling addiction, many charities and organizations do not share the same sentiment.

Association of Directors of Public Health VP Greg Fell warned that constantly exposing children to harmful gambling products could have severe long-term consequences. Charity Gambling with Lives shared his viewpoint, stating that a total ban on gambling advertising was the only meaningful way to reduce gambling-related deaths.

“We now need to push… for an end to all gambling advertising… and… do more to make the most dangerous products safer, further reducing stake sizes and play speeds.”

Charles Ritchie, Gambling with Lives co-founder

Aside from gaming advertisements, the UK government’s generous one-year timeline was another substantial point of contention. Many campaigners, public health specialists, and MPs see it as another delay for an already long overdue reform. Consultant psychologist Dr. Matt Gaskell, head of NHS Northern Gambling Service, warned that people would continue suffering without swift and immediate action.

While the white paper proved popular in Parliament, some MPs have urged the government to act with haste and push up the implementation date. The current timeline should allow the Gambling Commission and the DCMS to review the measures and refine any rough edges. However, shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell noted that given enough political will, the legislation could become law much sooner.

“There’s no reason we can’t get all this done by the Summer recess.”

 Lucy Powell, UK shadow culture secretary

Despite criticisms, the government is unlikely to introduce any significant changes. The white paper is the product of years of work and is long overdue. With rising political pressure to hasten its adoption, risking delays for a potential rework is not really an option. Although the document could have done more, it still marks a substantial improvement over current regulations. As to its effectiveness, only time will tell if the critics had a point.

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